Memory Encoding, Storage & Retrieval
Jan 01, 2016
3 Processes of Memory
Encoding Processing of information into the memory
system
Storage Retention of encoded information over time
Retrieval Process of getting information out of memory
4 Memory Stores
1. Sensory Memory Immediate, initial recording of sensory
information in the memory system 2 types
Echoic - auditory• 3-4 seconds
Iconic - visual sensory memory• Visual information• 1/4 second
4 Memory Stores
2. Working Memory Processing of briefly
stored information
3. Short Term Activated memory
holds +/- 7 items~30 seconds
4. Long Term Memory Relatively permanent
and limitless storehouse of the memory system
Externalevents
Sensorymemory
Short-termmemory
Long-termmemory
Sensory inputAttention to importantor novel information
Encoding
Encoding
Retrieving
Storage Storage Storage
A Simplified Memory Model
Encoding: Automatic v. Effortful
Automatic Processing Quick, unconscious encoding of incidental
informationSpace & time
Well-learned informationWord meanings
We can learn automatic processingReading backwards
Encoding: Automatic v. Effortful
Effortful Processing Slower, requires attention & conscious effort
Rehearsal Conscious repetition of information
Maintain it in consciousness Encode it for storage
Encoding: Automatic v. Effortful
Ebbinghaus rehearsed nonsense syllables TUV ZOF GEK WAV More times practiced on Day 1, the fewer
repetitions to relearn on Day 2
20
15
10
5
08 16 24 32 42 53 64
Time in minutestaken to relearnlist on day 2
Number of repetitions of list on day 1
Ebbinghaus
Encoding
Spacing Effect Distributed practice yields better long term
retention than massed practice
Serial-Position Effect Recall best for info presented first & last
First - more rehearsal timeLast - recency effect
12
Percentage of
words recalled
0
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
Position of word in list
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Immediate recall
Later recall
Serial Position Effect
What Do We Encode?
Semantic Encoding Encoding of meaning/words
Acoustic Encoding Encoding of sound/words
Visual Encoding Encoding of picture images
Encoding & Retrieval
Type of encoding impacts retrieval Participants recalled word after:
Capital letters? Rhyme with train? Fit in sentence?
Encoding & Retrieval
Imagery/Mnemonics Mental pictures Powerful aid to effortful processing Vivid imagery and/or semantic encoding
Organization
Chunking enhances memory Items into familiar, manageable units
Occurs automatically1776149218121941ID # (3-2-4)
AcronymsMVEMJSUNP - My very energetic mother just sat
upon nine pins
Storage - Long Term Memory
How does storage work? Lashley (1950) - specific brain cites? - NO!
Rats learn maze - Lesion cortex - Test memoryMemory retained
Gerard (1953) - electrical activity? - NO!Hamsters learn mazeCease brains electrical activation (freeze)Revive and memory retained
Storage - Long Term Memory
‘…memories are more of a spiritual than a physical reality. You try to touch them, and they turn to mist and disappear.’
Storage - Long Term Memory
Synaptic & NT changes Long-term Potentiation
Increase in synapse’s firing potential after S• More NT release & receptor cites (possibly)• Neuron loops or networks
Drugs that block NTs impairs memoryAlcohol impacts serotonin and memory
ECT or concussion impairs memoryBoxer, depressed patient
Storage - Long Term Memory
Flashbulb Memories Strong emotions make for stronger memories Challenger explosion/Princess Diana/JFK Jr.
WHY? Stress hormones boost learning/retention Hippocampus & amygdala structurally close Rehearsal
Long Term Memory Subsystems
Explicit Memory Memory of facts/experiences known Hippocampus- helps move information from
STM to LTMClive Wearing video (Mind 24)
Retrieval
Recall Retrieve learned information not in awareness
Fill in the blank test
Recognition Identify learned information
Multiple choice test
Retrieval Cues
Reminders of forgotten information Guides to where to look for info
Mood/emotion (SDM)Moods are retrieval cuesLearn happy recall best when happy
Context EffectsMemory works better in the context of original
learning
0
10
20
30
40
Water/land
Land/water
Water/water
Different contexts
Same contexts
Land/land
Percentage ofwords recalled
Retrieval Cues
Heard words on land or under water Recall best when context
same for learning & recall
ForgettingEncoding failure
Information never enters the memory system Attention is selective
Cant encode it ALL
Storage Decay Decay of physical memory trace Synapse/NT degradation over time Neural networks atrophy if unused
Retrieval failure (storage problem)
ForgettingSensory memory - the senses momentarily register amazing detail
Short term memory - a few items are both noticed and encoded
Long-term storage - Some itemsare altered or lost
Retrieval from long-term memory - depending on interference, retrieval cuesmoods and motives, some things get retrieved, some don’t Information bits
Memory Construction
Memory does not work like VCR We filter information, fill in missing pieces,
and construct memories during encoding, storage and retrieval
Perceptions of the past
Misinformation Effect Incorporating misleading information into
one's memory of an event
Memory Construction
Eyewitnesses reconstruct memories when questioned
Depiction of actual accident
Leading question:“About how fast were the carsgoing when they smashed intoeach other?” Memory
construction
False Memories
False memories can be created in some people (Loftus) Vivid imagery, journals Repressed memories of abuse No reliable memories pre 3 years of age